For Immediate Release
September 5, 2005
Contact: Stacy Atkins, Director of Marketing, The Wharf
(251) 974-8604
The Wharf in Orange Beach, AL Names Managing Director
Robert Nelson to Direct Major Resort Mixed Use Development on Alabama’s Gulf Coast
Orange Beach, Alabama (Sept. 2005) AIG Baker Development L.L.C. has named Robert Nelson as Managing Director of The Wharf, a 220 acre resort, residential and commercial development on Alabama’s gulf coast. Bob will direct development and operations for the project comprised of an impressive array of condominium, resort, retail and entertainment components.
Mr. Nelson’s new role at The Wharf continues an impressive hospitality career that has included senior management positions with many of the top resort and private country club operations in the country. Most recently he served as VP, Hospitality for operations and development for The Woodlands Operating Company’s hotel, golf and country club assets and SVP for Golf Host Resort’s hospitality operations in Florida and Colorado.
Nelson’s experience and track record made him the natural choice for AIG Baker and its expanding interest in resort mixed-use developments. The Wharf assignment will allow him to use his broad experience to integrate and optimize the projects’ world-class amenities that include a 25,000 sf destination spa, 10,000 seat amphitheater and 225 slip, deep water marina.
“Bob’s background in operations, marketing, asset management and development presented us with the perfect candidate for the Managing Director position for The Wharf ”, said Beason Wilkes, Director of Development, Gulf Coast Region for AIG Baker . “To maximize success, a seamless integration of all resort, residential and commercial components will be necessary. We believe the selection of Bob, along with our experienced team already on board, will insure that success.”
About The Wharf
The Wharf will be a place to connect, and re-connect, with family and friends. National retailers, as well as locally-owned stores and restaurants, including a Rave Motion Picture Theater, will be located in an airy, upscale village atmosphere along Main Street, located on first and second floor levels. The south’s largest Ferris wheel will be the centerpiece of this festive atmosphere, offering visitors a lingering glimpse of The Wharf and its surroundings. Colorful shops, restaurants and café’s will also line the lively Boardwalk, which will run the length of the world-class marina – nearly a half mile long.
The Amphitheater at the Wharf will host concerts, celebrations and special events of all kinds. An internationally acclaimed destination spa will offer first-class services, while complementing the stylish and upscale residential and resort accommodations found throughout the 220 acre development. Developed by AIG Baker Shopping Center Properties, L.L.C., out of Birmingham, Alabama, The Wharf is slated to open its first phase of retail and entertainment in the late spring/early summer of 2006.
About AIG Baker
AIG Baker Shopping Center Properties, L.L.C., is a privately held entrepreneurial-driven company, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, that specializes in ground-up development, acquisition, leasing and management of retail centers nationwide. Backed by American International Group (AIG), one of the world’s largest insurance companies, AIG Baker has developed more than 20 million square feet in 17 states since 1993. Subsidiaries of AIG Baker include AIG Baker Real Estate, L.L.C., AIG Baker Management, L.L.C., AIG Baker Development, L.L.C., and Pinnacle Communities L.L.C.###